Post 8 season will be unique

The upcoming American Legion baseball season will prove to be unique for Post 8 and the Davidson County Warriors, one that is full of opportunity if everything plays out right.

mike duprez

The upcoming American Legion baseball season will prove to be unique for Post 8 and the Davidson County Warriors, one that is full of opportunity if everything plays out right.There's a good chance of that since it can be said that the Warriors are starting on the proverbial third base.That's because Post 8 is hosting the 2014 state tournament and the host team gets an automatic bid. The last time Post 8 played in the state tournament was in that memorable 2005 season. On a star-studded team led by Daniel Kassouf, Andrew Morton, Tyler McKenzie, Zach Briggs and now-New York Jets safety Josh Bush among others, Post 8 finished second in the state.Of course, it's way too early to say how well the 2014 team will do. That will depend on who decides to play. Being in the state tournament is a powerful incentive and Post 8's athletic director Ric Cook and head coach Dale Moser could draw some top flight players who might otherwise play showcase ball. Showcase baseball has adversely affected Post 8's roster for several years.Another factor that comes into play is that the pressure is off. The Warriors are in the playoffs. Now that doesn't mean they're going to try any less to win games. "I've talked to Ric and Dale and they want to earn their way in," said Area III Commissioner Jim Lippard, the former longtime Post 8 athletic director.The Warriors open the season on May 16. And, get this, they will play 31 games — not counting the playoffs. That is a bunch because it's all crammed into a five-week season."I told them they better have a lot of arms," Lippard said.Absolutely, with games almost every night, they had better.It's almost like minor league baseball. Moser will need a four-man rotation, middle relievers, setup guys and, hopefully, a closer.The arms — again, potentially — are there. Moser could choose from North Davidson's Josh Roberson and Cole Beeker; West Davidson's Chandler Simerson, Justin Freeman and Zach Queen; Lexington's Will Lancaster; East Davidson's Nick Williams and Ryan McIntire and Ledford's Bubba White. Central Davidson's John Hanes and Lexington's Jalain Charles could be good middle relievers. There's still time for others to emerge. Lancaster, a freshman, did so earlier in the year by one-hitting Salisbury. Central's Ryan Shull came out of nowhere to shut out powerful West Stokes.The main thing is there are plenty of decent arms in the county, maybe not at the level of Zach White, Jordan Ramsey or Morton, but still good enough to form a solid staff.As for the lineup, if North's E.P. Reese is available, Moser will put him at the top of the order and play him in center field. Every time. Who wouldn't? North's Austin Beck can flat out fly and he can hit for power. Moser could find a spot for him, too. Same goes for Ledford's Austin Stilley, another solid hitter who has gotten stronger. Ditto for East's Nathan Campbell, who can swing the bat real good. Central's Jordan Lakey could start at catcher for any team.Most of those who pitch are also position players, a necessity on the small rosters carried by American Legion teams. The Catawba-bound Williams is a good shortstop and can hit. Again, it can't be said enough that it all depends on who comes out for the team. It could end up being a very good team.Mike Duprez can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 218 or mike.duprez@the-dispatch.com. Follow Mike on Twitter@LexDispatch_md

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.